Firefighters are engaged in a significant battle against wildfires affecting five provinces in Turkey, with ongoing efforts to contain the blazes, according to Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumakli. As of Saturday, the situation remains critical, although progress has been made in the western Izmir region.
The wildfire in Izmir’s Karsiyaka district, which began on Thursday, had somewhat subsided by the weekend. Yumakli reported that the fire, initially fueled by strong winds, was now confined to a difficult-to-reach valley, and there was no immediate threat to residential areas. A fire, reportedly started by three people having a picnic near a forested area, has led to a significant incident, and authorities are close to identifying these individuals.
While the intensity of the Izmir fire has diminished, the damage has been significant. The fire had approached residential zones, resulting in the destruction of sixteen homes and thirty workplaces in an industrial site. The Health Ministry confirmed that 78 individuals were impacted by the fire. Izmir’s mayor, Cemil Tugay, provided these details on social media, emphasizing the extent of the damage.
Despite the improvement in Izmir, firefighters continue to struggle with wildfires in other provinces, including Aydin, Manisa, Bolu, and Karabuk. The General Directorate of Forestry has warned that twelve provinces in northern and western Turkey will face a high wildfire risk over the coming ten days. This is attributed to high temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds, which exacerbate the wildfire risk.
Recent years have seen a troubling increase in wildfire incidents in Turkey’s coastal regions, with scientists linking this trend to climate change. The rising temperatures and prolonged dry spells contribute to the growing frequency and severity of such fires.
Firefighters and emergency services are working tirelessly, using helicopters and planes to drop water on the flames while ground crews continue their efforts. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing assessments and firefighting operations aimed at controlling the fires and preventing further damage.